Arbiter: Difference between revisions

Originally, the title of Arbiter was a privilege and may have once been a rank. This however has changed, after the betrayal of [[Fal 'Chavamee]], the Prophets gave the title of Arbiter to disgraced [[Elite]]s in order for them to regain honor by suicidal missions. Many members of the Covenant, especially [[Unggoy]], see an Arbiter as their "Savior", and their peers consider him as the "Will of the Prophets" or, in his military role, the "Blade of the Prophets". Every Arbiter was "created and consumed in times of extraordinary crisis", and has been martyred in the undertaking of his momentous or most of the time suicidal tasks, as said by the [[Prophet of Mercy]]. The corpses (or perhaps only memorials in some cases)<ref>''Ripa 'Moramee's body could not possibly have been retrieved''</ref> are housed in identical caskets in the great [[Mausoleum of the Arbiter]]; in the center of this room is a floating pod that contains the sacred armor of the holy Arbiter, highly decorative and fully functional despite its apparent age. The Mausoleum houses a very large number of caskets, reaching high into the air, and references of Arbiters settling the "Grunt Rebellion" and aiding the "Taming of the Hunters" would indicate that the office has existed for quite some time - before the Covenant, as we know it, was fully formed and its castes defined. The definition for the word Arbiter is 'one who judges'.

When an Arbiter is made, it is usually a highly skilled Sangheili. The rank of the Elite previous to becoming Arbiter most likely has no effect on the chance of becoming Arbiter, though higher-ranked Elites have better chances due to their extensive experience and superior skill. The rank of Arbiter can be considered a very prized reward.

Though considered a status of high command, he who wears the armor of the Arbiter is condemned to a life of suicidal missions to regain his honor. This includes the current Arbiter, who failed to protect [[Installation 04]] from the [[Master Chief|Demon]]. Other Sangheili join the Arbiter on his missions, though it seems they were both given the same task. The Arbiter is considered an equal to a [[SPARTAN-II]], as both are highly skilled in combat and vehicular activities, and have the ability to instill morale even in the strongest or weakest of troops.

The list of Arbiters throughout the history of the Covenant is known as the Line of Immaculate Succession.